Pump



0 1 70 V L. E. RUSIISIELL 3,545,897

PUMP

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INVENTOR LINUS E. RUSSELL ATTORNEY Dec. 8, 1970 E. RUSSELL 3,545,897

PUMP

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INVENTOR LINUS E. RUSSELL ATTORNEY Dec. 8, 1970 v y L. E. RUSSELL 3,545,397

PUMP Original Filed Jul 8, 1964 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 ruvsu'ron LINUS n, RUSSELL ATTORNEY D ms, 1970 L. E. RUSSELL 3,545,897

' PUMP v I 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Origihal- Filed July's, 1964 M2 Fig.l2

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INVENTOR LINUS E. RUSSELL ATTORNEY United States Patent US. Cl. 417-542 33 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE The invention covers an improved diaphragm pump distinguished by a simple stacked relation of parts rendering it small and compact and providing a positive displacement of fluid with minimal wear and maximum efficiency. A unified pump construction is provided wherein its low line base structure has a shell form molded to incorporate ofiset from the flow path an integrated surge chamber facilitating a smoothing of the pump flow and eliminating pulsation normally incident to pump operation. A modification of the invention provides for im provements in the pump power head affording a shallow pumping chamber by means of a block structure so apertured to induce optimal flow conditions, the chamber having one wall formed by the diaphragm which is flexed in short strokes to enable a high speed pump, operating thereby under conditions requiring low power consumption.

This application and the invention herein disclosed, including its various modifications and described species, constitutes a continuation of applicants pending application Ser. No. 566,139, filed July 18, 1966, and applicants application Ser. No. 381,103, filed July 8, 1964, said application Ser. No. 566,139 and said application Ser. No. 381,103 having been withdrawn in favor of the present application.

This invention relates to improvements in diaphragm type pumps. Embodiments are characterized by a minimal size for a given output, by improved, unified and more rugged construction, and a smoother, quieter and more efiicient operation. They feature more positive fluid displacement and are of a compact simplified construction lending high pumping capacity and requiring a minimal power draw. The simple composition of the invention pump is such to minimize, in use, the normal incidence of wear and malfunction in pumps of this type.

The invention is exceedingly versatile as to its application. On the one hand it enables a highly desirable bilge type pump. On the other hand it also enables an optimally functioning pump for use in a pressure water system. In any event, the invention enables, for the first time, a high speed pump having a low current draw in use.

As contrasted to comparable devices of the prior art, the invention is directed to achieving a more simple and economical pump fabrication, a unit which is more economical to fabricate, more efiicient and satisfactory in use, adaptable to a wide variety of applications and unlikely to malfunction.

The invention is particularly concerned with high capacity minimal size pumps having application for use as a bilge pump, for example, or other positive displacement pumps particularly useful in handling of large amounts of water.

A primary object of the invention is to provide a sturdy, relatively compact, high capacity diaphragm type pump.

Another object of the invention is to provide a diaphragm type pump having a more unified construction,

3,545,897 Patented Dec. 8, 1970 capable of high capacity operation with low incidence of power draw.

Another object of the invention is to provide a positive displacement diaphragm type pump characterized by a smoother and quieter operation with minimal wear in use.

An additional object of the invention is to provide a diaphragm type pump incorporating an improved motor mount.

A further object of the invention is to provide a diaphragm type pump the components of which are simply stacked to achieve an integrated form.

An additional object of the invention is to provide a high speed, high capacity diaphragm type pump having a minimal size pumping chamber.

Another object of the invention is to provide a high capacity water pump of minimal component structure, which pump is of the diaphragm type and the diaphragm thereof has means providing that it be flexed in short eccentric strokes whereby to provide a smooth and quiet high speed, high capacity unit.

An additional object of the invention is to provide diaphragm type pumps and power heads therefor which are particularly advantageous for the handling of water possessing the advantageous structural features, the inherent meritorious characteristics, and the means and mode of operation herein described.

With the above and other incidental objects in view, as will more fully appear in the specification, the invention intended to be protected by Letters Patent consists of the features of construction, the parts and combinations thereof, and the mode of operation as hereinafter described or illustrated in the accompanying drawings, or their equivalents.

Referring to the accompanying drawings wherein are shown some but obviously not necessarily the only forms of the embodiment of the invention:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a diaphragm type pump in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the assembled pump, pertinent interior parts being shown in phantom;

FIG. 3 is an end view;

FIG. 4 is a top view;

FIG. 5 is a view taken on line 5-5 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a view taken on line 66'of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a schematic, side elevation view, representing a modification of the invention as shown in FIGS. 1 through 6;

FIG. 8 is a top view of an improved power head of the pump shown in FIG. 7, taken in perspective, with the cover plate removed;

FIG. 9 is a view taken on line 99 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a plan view, in perspective, of the base of the head of FIG. 8, illustrating the shallow pocket forming the pumping chamber and the differential between the intake and output openings referenced to said chamher;

FIG. 11 is a view taken on line 11--11 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 12 is a view of the head assembly shown partially in section; and

FIG. 13 is a partially exploded view taken on line 13-13 of FIG. 7.

Like parts are indicated by similar characters of reference throughout this several views.

As shown in FIGS. 1-6, a preferred form of the invention pump includes an integrally molded base 10. Viewed from front to rear, as seen in FIG. 1 of the drawings, the base 10 includes a relatively shallow, generally rectangular fore portion 11, extending rearwardly from its front face 12, and a somewhat deeper rear portion 13.

The rear portion 13 has the form of a rectangular shell 3 open to its bottom. It includes an integrally formed full partition 14 which is transversely centered, forming to one side thereof a chamber 15 and to its other side a chamber 16.

Formed in the fore portion 11 are a pair of transversely spaced parallel passages 17 and 18 which open to their one ends from the front face 12. The opening from the passage 17 is defined by an inlet pipe 19 and the opening from the passage 18 is defined by a discharge pipe 20. The respective pipes 19 and 20 project perpendicular to and from the front face 12 of the base and the purpose thereof will be further described.

The passage 17 extends inwardly of the base 10, perpendicular to the front face 12, and opens at its inner end to the lower portion of the chamber 16. Passage 18 similarly extends in a sense perpendicular to the front face 12 and opens to its inner end to the lower portion of the chamber 15.

To their upper portions each of the chambers and 16 are bridged by vertically oriented, rectangularly intersected plate sections 21 and 22. Within each of the chambers the plate sections 21 and 22 depend from a integral connection to the top of the shell 13 to a common plane above the line of flow from a passage 17 or a passage 18, as the case may be. The plate sections 21 and 22 also integrally connect to the partition 14 and the adjacent side walls of the shell 13 in the chamber in which they nest. As thus integrally connected to the shell and the partition 14 in each of the chambers 15 and 16, the plate sections 21 and 22 form vertical pockets open to their bottom and closed to their top, the purpose of which shall be further described.

As may be seen in FIG. 1 of the drawings, a gasket 23 is formed to underlie the lower edge of the partition 14 as well as the lowermost edges of the shell which defines the rear portion of the base 10. A seal is simultaneously formed to the bottom of each of the chambers 15 and 16 by a cover plate 24 which underlies the gasket 23 and bridges the opening to the bottom of the shell.

Formed in the top surface of the face portion 11 of the base 10 are a pair of transversely spaced, dish-shaped pockets 25 and 26. The bottoms of the pockets are respectively intersected by the passages 17 and 18 which open thereto in the area of their intersection.

Viewing FIG. 1 of the drawings, it may be observed that the pocket 25 is peripherally rimmed by a recessed shoulder 27. Similarly, the pocket 26 is peripherally rimmed by a recessed shoulder 28. The shoulder 27 serves to seat the periphery of an intake valve assembly 29 which thereby caps the pocket 25. Similarly, the shoulder 28 serves to seat the periphery of a discharge valve assembly 30 which thereby caps the pocket 26.

Superposed on the fore portion 11 of the base 10 is a rectangular shell 31 which is open to its bottom. The upper plate of the shell 31 includes an ovular aperture defined by an ovular dependent wall 32. As the shell 31 seats to the base, the dependent extremity of the wall 32 seats in rimming relation to the portion of the base surface which nests the intake and discharge valves 29 and 30. At its dependent extremity, the wall 32 is bridged by an ovular plate 33 including a pair of apertures which respectively align with the intake valve 29 and the discharge valve 30. The dimensions of the apertures are slightly smaller than the respective dimensions of the valves therebelow. Thus, as the shell 31 is fixed to the base 10, in a manner to be further described, the portions of the plate 33 which rim the respective apertures therein serve to clamp the peripheries of the intake and discharge valves to their respective seats in the upper surface of the base 10.

Bridging the wall 32 at the top of the shell 31 is a flexible disphragm 34 the peripheral edge of which overlies the upper surface of the shell. The diaphragm 34 is centrally rigidified by a diaphragm plate 35 to either side. Noting FIG. 1 of the drawings, it may be seen that the 4 overlying peripheral edge portion of the diaphragm is clamped to the top surface of the shell 31 through the medium of a superposed plate 36. The plate 36 forms an integral part of a motor mount 37 and includes an ovular aperture which is slightly smaller in dimension than the diaphragm 34 and aligns therewith.

It will be noted that as the base 36 of the motor mount 37 seats to clamp the diaphragm 34 in bridging relation to the ovular aperture in the top of the shell 31, it positions apertures in its corners in vertical alignment with through apertures in the corners of the shell 31 and threaded openings in the top of the fore portion 11 of the base 10. Thus, on application of bolts 58 through the vertically aligned apertures, as described, and threaded engagement of the bolts in the openings in the base, the entire assembly of superposed structure is integrated with the base 10.

It will be noted from the drawings that the ovular openings in the shell 31 and the base plate 36 have their major axes uniformly arranged transverse to the longitudinal axes of the passages 17 and 18 in the base 10. The opening in the base plate 36 is transversely bridged, from end to end of its major axis, and covered by upwardly directed relatively convergent wall sections 38 which interconnect at points spaced above the base 36 by a rounded apex wall section 39. The wall portions 38 and 39 thereby provide a hood over the base 36. It should be noted that at its apex portion, cut inwardly of its edge most adjacent the face 12 of the base 10, this hood has a central bayonet type slot 40. At its opposite edge, this hood has, formed integral therewith, a circular flange 41 including diametrically spaced apertures 42. The apertures 42 serve to accommodate the mounting bolts 43 of a motor 44. In the process of mounting, one end face of the motor 44 abuts the hood flange 41 and the projected portions of the motor bolts 43 mount threadedly engaged nuts which serve to clamp the motor to the flange.

As the motor so mounts to the flange 41, it caps the opening to the one face of the hood and has its drive shaft 45 project interiorly of the hood in a sense transverse to and relatively centered in respect to the major axis of the ovular opening in the base plate 36. The projected extremity of drive shaft 45 mounts an adapter 46 including an eccentrically positioned and relatively axially projected pin 47. The pin 47 projects through a bearing in one end of a connecting rod 48 to mount, adjacent thereto, a washer 49 and receive, in its projected extremity, a cotter pin 50. In this manner the connecting rod 48 is bearingly mounted on and operatively related to the eccentric 46. The lower end of the rod 48 is arranged to depend through the opening in the base plate 36 of the motor mount 37 and abut the center of the upper diaphragm plate 35. A screw 51 is projected upwardly through central openings in the diaphragm 34 and its reinforcing plates 35 to either side to threadedly engage in the lower end of the rod 48 and thereby fix the diaphragm for conjoint movement with the rod.

Note that in assembly of the described structure the motor and its mount are stacked in fixed relation to the base 10 to sandwich therebetween the shell 31 and, in the process, clamp the diaphragm 34 to bridge the upper end of wall 32 and the plate 33 to fix the valves 29 and 30 in the base. In the process of its assembly the diaphragm 34 forms a flow chamber 52 which interconnects the intake and discharge valves 29 and 30 in the shell 31.

Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawings, it may be seen that the motor hood is capped at its face opposite the motor 44 by a plate 53. At the periphery of its inner face the plate 53 has a double walled flange 54 which frictionally accommodates the adjacent edge of the hood and includes a projected finger 55 at its apex. The finger 55 is formed to provide a bayonet engagement thereof in the slot 40 in the apex of the hood. The cap 53 is preferably fabricated as a resilient plastic and adheringly seats to the wall sections 38 and 39 and the base plate 36 of the hood.

Included in the pump unit is a threaded opening in the top of the shell 13 which in certain cases will accommodate a pressure switch. As shown, this opening is capped by a plug 56. Additionally the shell 31 mounts a snifter valve 57. These items have a conventional function and the details thereof are not pertinent to the present invention. Therefore, such details need not be further described.

It may be readily seen from the above that the invention pump is exceedingly simple to assemble and maintain. In the operation thereof, the motor 44 is energized to reciprocate the rod 48, through the medium of the eccentric 46, and thereby produce an eccentric push-pull of the diaphragm 34. As the diaphragm is so operated, the central portion thereof moves with dependent extremity of rod 48 to be rocked thereby about the minor axis of the opening bridged by the diaphragm. This rocking is in a plane transverse to said minor axis and centered relative the passages 17 and 18 and the intake and discharge valves 29 and 30. Due to the orientation of the elliptical diaphragm in reference to the plane of operation of the rod 48, in the push-pull thereof a large moment arm is impressed on the diaphragm. This influences on the one hand a substantial positive inflow to the chamber 52 by way of the pipe 19, pocket 25 and the intake valve 29. On the other hand a reverse rocking of the diaphragm causes a forceful, positive lateral push of the charge of fluid drawn in during the eccentric lift of the diaphragm in a sense directed to the discharge valve 30. In this manner the fluid is positively and laterally displaced, flowing to the through valve 30, pocket 26 and the discharge pipe 20.

I It will be observed that in the course of inflow to pipe 19 some fluid will surge rearwardly to enter the bottom portion of the chamber 16 in shell 13, below the rectangularly intersected plate sections 21 and 22. Any fluid that surges back into this lower portion of the chamber 16 moves upwardly to the pockets defined by the rectangularly intersected plate sections 21 and 22. As this occurs, the surge is broken on the dependent edges of the plate sections and cushioned by the air in the pockets formed thereby in the upper end of the shell section. Similarly, as the fluid is pushed into the discharge passage 18, a portion tends to flow rearwardly and enter the open cavity in the lower portion of the chamber 15. The fluid surges upwardly to meet the nested rectangularly intersected plate sections 21 and 22 and have its surge broken by their dependent edges and its pulsations cushioned by the air in the pockets defined thereby in the upper end of the shell.

Thus, in a very simple fashion an improved integrated base structure is created for a pump which facilitates a smoothing of fluid surge and pulsation normally incident to the pump operation. The nature of the relatively shallow surge chambers as provided in this form of the invention is not only simple but such to inhibit the introduction of any significant amount of air in the fiuid fiowing through the pump.

In summary, the invention features distinguished in reference to the embodiment of FIGS. 16 are many and quite obvious. One of the most distinctive is provided by the orientation of the controlled diaphragm and the lateral eccentric influence to move about its minor axis whereby the inflow to and outflow from the pump is rendered more positive in nature. Also, particularly note that a smooth, quiet operation of a pump is enabled by integration of the relatively shallow surge chambers in the form described. This is enhanced by the nature of the proposed motor mount and the complete enclosure of the operating components of the pump. Further, the invention affords a pump having a unified construction facilitating maintenance procedures and minimizing the incident of maintenance as may be required during the pump operation. Moreover, the fact that the diaphragm, as incorporated, has a controlled flexing movement directed about its minor axis minimizes the tendency of the diaphragm to wear and facilitates a more positive and smoother pumping action.

Referring now to the modification of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 7 through 13 inclusive, the base there shown corresponds precisely to the base 10 of the first described embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-6. Again, viewed from front to rear, this base portion has the form of an integrally molded shell and includes a force part 111 which has a rectangular, relatively shallow form. Its rear part 113 is also rectangular and, as previously described with reference to the comparable base portion 13, is somewhat deeper to produce a shell portion which defines a cavity open to its bottom. The cavity defined by the shell portion 113 incorporates partitions such as 14, 21 and 22 to form surge chambers. It is closed to its bottom in a manner and as previously described with reference to the shell section 13 shown in FIG. 6 of the drawings. In this instance, however, the closure plate to the bottom of the surge chambers is identified by the numeral 119. A gasket is interposed, as previously described, to insure a water tight connection of the closure plate.

Also, as in the case of the first described embodiment, the base as shown in FIGS. 7 through 13 includes a pair of transversely spaced parallel passages 114 and 115 which are formed in the fore portion 111 to open at their outermost ends from its front face 116. The outermost end of opening 114 is defined by a projected inlet pipe 117 and the outermost end of opening 115 by a projected outlet pipe 118. The passages 114 and 115 extend inwardly, generally perpendicular to the front face 116, to open at their innermost ends to the respective surge chambers formed in the rear part 113 of the base 110 as previously described.

Formed in the top of the base portion 111 are a pair of transversely spaced shallow pockets 120 and 121. The bottom of pocket 120 is intersected by the inlet passage 114 and the bottom of pocket 121 is intersected by the outlet passage 115. In either case, there is so formed in the base of each pocket a generally elongated opening to the underlying passage.

Pocket 120 is rimmed at its upper peripheral limits by a slightly recessed shoulder 123. Pocket 121 is similarly rimmed by a slightly recessed shoulder 124. The shoulder 123 seats the peripheral frame portion of an intake valve assembly 125 of a flap type. Shoulder 124 seats the peripheral frame portion of an output valve unit 126 of the same nature.

While different numerals are used for convenience, to this point it will be seen that base 10 and the base 110 have substantially identical structural detail.

Superposed in this instance on the top of the base portion 111 is a shallow molded block structure 127 as contrasted to the comparably positioned shall 31 of the first described embodiment of the invention. Formed in the top surface of the block structure 127 is a central flatly dished portion 128. This dished surface defines at its base a portion 129 which is flat and has a circular periphery. Formed about such base is a rim 131 which is slightly cupped. In the center of the base is a small shallow generally circular recess 130. Immediately within the rim 131 and aligned generally from front to rear of the block 127, the base portion 129 has a small through aperture 132 of generally elliptical form. The aperture 132 cuts through a segment of the central recess 130. Diametrically opposite to the aperture 132 is a further and larger aperture 133. The aperture 133 is bounded by intersecting arcs 143 and 144, one along the outer limits of rim 131 and the other cutting out a peripheral portion of the central recess opposite that portion cut by the aperture 132. This leaves the portion 128 with one small aperture 132, which as will be further seen defines an inlet to a pumping chamber, and the large aperture 133, which will serve as an outlet referenced to the same chamber.

Defined between the apertures 132 and 133 which open through the block 127, the central recessed portion 130 is reduced thereby to a narrow separating bridge segment 134. Thus, the apertures 132 and 133 are very closely spaced.

Formed at the under surface of the block 127, partially rimmed and separated by the segment 134, are two shallow pockets 135 and 136. The pocket 135 is flatly dished, having a generally planar base portion 137 and a narrow cupped rim 137. The aperture 132 extends through a peripheral segment of the pocket 135, as seen in FIG. 11 of the drawings, being rimmed in part by one arcuate edge of the bridge segment 134. The depth of the pocket 135 places its base immediately adjacent the base plane of the recess 130. Pocket 136 has the contour of a segment of a sphere intersected at a peripheral boundary portion by the aperture 133.

Referring to FIG. 12 of the drawings, in overlying relation to and co-extensive with the upper surface of the rectangularly formed block 127 is a flexible flat diaphragm 137. Superposed co-extensively with the diaphragm 137 is the base plate 138 of an integral head structure 154. This plate 138 has a single limited central aperture directly above and aligned with the dish portion 128 in the upper surface of the block 127. Openings are suitably provided in the corners of the block 127, diaphragm 137 and plate 138 for the extension therethrough of screws to suitably anchor these elements to the fore portion 111 of the base 110. It is to be noted that by the connection of the elements we have the diaphragm 137 sim ly and easily disposed in its proper position and under the required initial stress. Since the aperture in the base plate 138 and the shallow dished central portion 128 of the block 127 are coextensive, a pumping chamber 153, of highly limited depth and capacity, is defined between the diaphragm and the base portion 129 to have as the inlet thereto the small elliptical aperture 132 and as the outlet therefrom the relatively larger aperture 133.

The opening in the base plate 138 is bridged and covered by upwardly directed relatively convergent wall sections 139 formed integral therewith. The latter interconnect at their upper limits by means of an integrated rounded apex wall section 140. There is thus provided a hood over the base plate comparable to that described with reference to the first disclosed embodiment. Again, included in the apex portion of the hood, cut inwardly of its fore portion most adjacent the face 116 of the base 110 is an axially directed slot 141. As the previously described structure, the opposite edge portion of the hood has formed integral therewith a circular flange 142 including diametrically spaced apertures. The flange, as described, forms a mounting plate for the motor 145 which projects perpendicularly thereto nad rearwardly over the portion 113 of the base 110. As will be obvious, the motor shaft projects interiorly of the hood portion 140 within which its projected extremity mounts an adapter including an eccentrically positioned and relatively axially projected pin engaged in a bearing at the upper end of a connecting rod 149 and contained thereto. The rod 149 depends to have the flanged base thereof seat in a plate 150 centered on the exposed portion of the diaphragm 137 therebelow. At the underside of the diaphragm is a matching plate 151. The rod 149 has a threaded recess in its lower end which seats to plate 150. A screw 152 which projects through the center of plate 151, the diapharagm and the plate 150 threadedly anchors the rod 149 to the center of the diaphragm. In the process the head of the screw abuts and contains the lower plate 151. It is to be noted that under normal conditions the screw head will project into the dished portion 128 of the block 127 to be accommodated in the recess 130 between the apertures 132 and 133.

As just described, the portion of the modified pump 8 including the block 127, diaphragm 137, plate 138 and structure integrated with this plate and diaphragm, including rod 149, constitutes a modified power head in accordance with the invention.

It is of significance that there is minimal problem in assembling the component parts of this power head. The rod 149 is simply and readily centered referenced to the diaphragm and, in superposition thereof, the center of the diaphragm is accurately referenced to the pocket 128. Further, the chamber 153 defined below the diaphragm is very shallow. Nevertheless in this embodiment of the invention shown the relation of the apertures 132 and 133 facilitate a ready and substantial flow thereto and therethrough in a manner to lend a high capacity to the invention pump.

It will be seen that on drive of the motor 145 there is an eccentric reciprocation of the rod 149 in short strokes enabling the achievement of an extremely high speed with minimal stress on the interconnected diaphragm 137. Again the movement of the eccentric flex of the diaphragm is in a sense transverse to the apertures 132 and 133. In this instance, or modification, the opening in the plate 138 as related to the base of the connecting rod 149 provides a minimal free part of the diaphragm which is operated in the flexing thereof to provide a forceful fluid inflow to and a lateral displacement and forceful outflow from the pumping chamber. Here the stress applied is readily taken up through the entire extent of the diaphragm which is fully anchored co-extensively with the plate 138 and the underlying block 127. With such structural relation of parts the dissipation of the stress will be relatively uniform.

Thus, the described pump can operate with short and high speed strokes, the eccentric and lateral flexing of the limited diaphragm area to which the stroke is applied producing a substantial inflow of fluid to the pumping chamber 153 through pipe 117, passage 114 and inlet aperture 132 and a positive and pressured lateral displacement of the inflow through a rocking motion to produce a pressured outflow through the larger aperture 133. The design of this modification, in particular, is such to provide for an optimal utilization of power since the load on the motor is minimal for the capacity which can be developed at all times. It is to be noted that the smooth and high speed operation is also facilitated by the configuration of the pockets formed in the undersurface of the block 127 as well as the closeness in the flow positioning of the related surfaces and the apertures 132 and 133 in communication with the pumping chamber. Note that the entrance pocket 135 associated with and offset relative the inlet aperture 132 is peripherally rounded but basically flat and positioned to induce the flow from the inlet valve to assume a planar form adjacent the inlet aperture. Therefore, as the pumping operation takes place, there is a substantially planar flow from the inlet aperture 132, over the short bridging portion 134, which flow immediately exits through the outlet aperture 133. A smooth outflow to and through the outlet valve 126 in the base is facilitated by the spherical contour of the pocket 136 which guides the planar flow as it exits through the aperture 133 to the outlet valve.

It is inherent in the modification illustrated that the pump so provided handles at any instant a minimal flow producing a minimal load. Nevertheless, it affords a high speed operation whereby to discharge in any one interval of time a relatively large volume of fluid. By providing a differential in the openings 132 and 133, there is a high speed inflow and optimal pressure conditions for discharge. The minimal depth of the pumping chamber also insures a highly eflicient lift and discharge of fluid.

As utilized, the flat co-extensive diaphragm is flexible and easy to operate, minimizing current draw and wear.

Accordingly, the invention in any respect provides a uniquely improved simple pump construction of highly compact form and capable of operating at a high speed with low power draw. Economy exists not only in the construction but in the use thereof as heretofore mentioned.

It will be readily apparent from the above that the modification incorporates all the basic surge chamber features of the first described embodiment of the invention. Moreover, the various features of the invention can be readily adapted to suit the circumstances and still achieve an unusually high speed pump with low current draw and one in which the wear of the components, including the diaphragm, is minimal, as contrasted to similar pumps of the prior art.

As previously mentioned, the pump of the nature here described is to be clearly distinguished from the relatively low capacity and low efficiency pumps of the prior art.

From the above description it will be apparent it is thus provided a device of the character described possessing the particular features of advantage before enumerated as desirable but which obviously is susceptible in modification as to form, proportion, detail construction and arrangement of parts without departing from the principles involved or sacrificed any of their advantages.

While in order to comply with the statute the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural features, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown but that the means and construction herein disclosed comprise but some of several modes of putting the invention into effect, and the invention is therefore claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the legitimate and valid scope of the appended claims.

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. A pump comprising an integrally formed base including a relatively shallow portion to its fore part and a relatively deeper portion to its rear, the latter having the form of a hollow shell open to one side, removable closure means forming a seal of said opening, a partition means dividing said shell into two chambers, means forming a pair of passages in the fore portion of said base, said passages opening respectively at one end from one face of said base and to the other end to the lower portion of one of said chambers, means defining a pair of cavities in the force portion of said base, one communicating with each of said passages, means on said base communicating said cavities and having means in connection therewith for applying suction to draw fluid to one of said cavities through an opening in said one face of said base to one of said passages and for pressuring the fluid to discharge through the other of said cavities to exit through the other of said passages from the other opening in said one face of said base and means provided in said hollow shell operative to damp the surge therein of fluid from said passages and produce a smooth and quiet operation of said pump.

2. A pump comprising an integrally formed base in cluding a shallow fore poltion and a relatively deeper portion to its rear, the latter portion having the form of a hollow shell and including a removable closure element to its bottom, a mid-partition dividing said shell into two chambers, means forming a pair of passages in the fore portion of said base respectively opening at one end from a face of said base and to the other end to the lower portion of one of said chambers, means provided on said base arranged to intercommunicate said passages and to draw fluid through one of said passages from the said face of said base and discharge it through the other of said passages from said face of said base and means included in the upper portion of the respective chambers operative to damp and cushion the surge of fluid which enters the lower portions of said chambers.

3. A pump comprising an integrally formed base including a relatively shallow fore portion and a relatively deeper portion to its rear, the latter having the form of a hollow shell and including a removable closure panel, a partition dividing said shell into a plurality of chambers, means formed in said fore portion of said base and mounted in connection therewith to provide for flow of fluid to and from said base, said means including an inlet passage and a discharge passage, each of said passages being in communication with one of said chambers and means integrated in the upper portion of each of said chambers to define a plurality of vertically extending recesses forming air pockets operative on surge thereto of fluid from said passages to cushion and damp the flow of fluid to and from said base.

4. A pump comprising an integrally formed base including a relatively shallow fore portion and a relatively deeper portion to its rear, the latter having the form of a hollow shell and including a removable closure element to its bottom, means in said shell dividing such shell into a plurality of vertical recesses providing air pockets, means defining a pair of passages in the fore portion of said base, said passages opening from said base and respectively to lower portions of said pockets and means fixedly superposed on said base operative to pump fluid to and from said base through the medium of said passages, in the process of which the air pockets in said shell are operative to cushion and smooth the flow of fluid to and from said pump.

5. A pump comprising an integrally formed base including a relatively shallow fore portion and a relatively deeper portion to its rear, the latter having the form of a hollow shell, a removable closure element to the bottom of said shell, a mid-partition dividing said shell into a plurality of chambers, means forming a pair of passages in the fore portion of said base respectively opening at one end to one of said chambers and at the other end from one face of said base, means defining pockets in the fore portion of said base, one communicating with each of said passages, said pockets having valve means in bridging relation thereto, one of said valve means being an intake valve assembly and the other being a discharge valve assembly, means defining a flow chamber on the fore portion of said base which communicates said valves and includes a resilient wall portion and means for eccentrically flexing said wall portion to produce a flow of fluid to and from said base by way of passages, said valves and said flow chamber and means in said hollow shell operative to cushion and damp surge of fluid therein from said passages.

6. A pump or the like including a base having formed therein inlet and discharge passages, means defining pockets in said base in respective communication with said passages, an intake valve bridging one of said pockets and a discharge valve the other, an element superposed on said base including an ovular dependent wall defining an opening therethrough and rimming said valves, said wall being bridged at its dependent extremity by a plate in cluding apertures respectively aligning with but of smaller dimension than said valves, which plate in the superposition of said element confines said valves to said base and forms in said element thereby a third pocket open to said valves, diaphragm means bridging said third pocket to form a flow chamber which intercommunicates said valves, means superposed on said element and interconnected to said base to fix said diaphragm in its bridging relation'to said third pocket and contain said element to fix said valves to said base and drive means connected with and operative to eccentrically flex said diaphragm whereby to produce a flow to and from said passages by way of said flow chamber.

7. A pump or the like in cluding a base having formed therein inlet and discharge passages, means defining pockets in said base in respective communication with said passages, an intake valve bridging one of said pockets and a discharge valve the other, an element superposed on said base including portions which in the superposition of said element confine said valves to said base, means provided in said element forming a third pocket open to said valves, diaphragm means bridging said third pocket to form a flow chamber which intercommunicates 1 1 said valves, means superposed on said element and interconnected to said base to fix said diaphragm in its bridging relation to said third pocket and contain said element to fix said valves to said base and drive means connected with and operative to eccentrically flex said diaphragm whereby to produce a flow to and from said passages by way of said flow chamber, said diaphragm having an elliptical shape and being oriented and so connected to said drive means to be flexed about its minor axis in a manner to produce optimum flow to and from said pump.

8. A pump as described in claim 6 characterized by said last-mentioned superposed means providing a hood above said diaphragm, said drive means including a motor mounting to form a closure to one side of said hood and having a drive shaft which projects therein and operatively connects to said diaphragm and a flexible closure element producing a seal of the other side of said hood.

9. A pump or the like comprising a base, means forming a pair of passages in said base, each having an opening to its top, means defining an intake valve bridging the opening from one passage and means defining a discharge valve bridging the opening from the other, said passages having further openings from said base for inflow of fluid to one passage and discharge of fluid from the other, means superposed on said base including a portion confining said valves to said base and forming a pocket defining a flow path opening to said valves, said pocket having an opening to its top, a resilient diaphragm bridging the opening to the top of said pocket, a motor, an integral mounting base for said motor having an aperture, said motor base being superposed on said pocket forming means to align said aperture with said diaphragm and, in the positioning thereof, per se peripherally confine said diaphragm to bridge said pocket, said motor having a drive shaft, and a rod having one end in eccentric connection with said shaft and the other end connected to said diaphragm, operation of said motor producing an eccentric flex of said diaphragm about one of its axes to produce an inflow to said pump by way of one of said passages and said intake valve and a discharge from said pump by way of said discharge valve and the other of said passages.

10. A pump as set forth in claim 9 characterized by said diaphragm having an elliptical form and being arranged so its major axis is transverse to the openings to the top of said passages and said rod is connected to flex said diaphragm about its minor axis whereby to produce optimum flow to and from said pump.

11. A pump or the like comprising a base, means defining inlet and discharge passages in said base, means defining openings from said passages to the top of said base, and intake valve bridging the opening from one passage and a discharge valve bridging the opening from the other, means forming a flow chamber on said base which opens to said valves and includes a resilient wall portion thereabove, said wall portion having an elliptical shape and its major axis transverse to the openings from said passages and means for reciprocating said diaphragm in an eccentric fashion to rock the central portion of said diaphragm about what would be considered its minor axis whereby to produce optimum flow to and from said base by way of said passages, said valves and said flow chamber.

12. A pump as described in claim 11 characterized by said base having an integral molded form and including a hollow shell section having a removable closure plate to its bottom, means dividing said shell section into a pair of vertical chambers, the uppermost portion of each chamber having a plurality of vertically oriented pockets and said passages being in respective communication with the lowermost portions of said chambers below said vertical pockets whereby on operation of said pump said pockets will be effective to cushion and smooth the flow of fluid through said pump.

13. A pump comprising an integrally formed moulded base having means forming a pair of fluid flow passages opening at their one ends from said base and terminating at their other ends within said base, said base further having transversely spaced openings which respectively communicate with one of said flow passages, means in connection with said base for providing a forced flow of fluid between said passages by way of said transversely spaced openings, said integrally formed base being expanded and hollowed to include therein cavities defining a pair of surge chambers, said other ends of said passages respectively opening to the lower portions of said surge chambers and means integrally formed in the upper portions of said surge chambers defining vertically oriented pockets open to their bottom and functioning on surge of fluid to said chambers to cushion and dampen the flow thereof to and from said pump.

14. A pump comprising a base portion including an inlet passage and an outlet passage, each having an opening to the top of said base, an intake valve bridging one of said openings and a discharge valve bridging the other of said openings to the top of said base, means defining a flow chamber including a resilient wall portion superposed to encompass the area of the top of said base including said valves, said last named means providing a pressured containment of said valves on fixing thereof to said base, said resilient wall portion being of generally elliptical form, the major axis of which extends transverse to said valves, and means for deflecting said resilient wall portion, in an eccentric fashion, about what would normally be its minor axis and operative thereby to produce an optimum inflow of fluid to said flow chamber by way of said inlet passage and said intake valve and a discharge of fluid from said flow chamber through said discharge valve and outlet passage.

15. A pump as set forth in claim 14 characterized by a hood like enclosure capping said resilient wall portion and deflecting means in connection therewith whereby to contain the sound normally attendant the flexing of said resilient wall portion in the operation of said pump.

16. A pump as set forth in claim 14 characterized by a hollow shell section formed integral with said base the lower portion of which communicates with the respective passages whereby to provide for free flow thereto of fluid from said passages, and a series of vertical recesses formed in the upper portion of said shell section to provide air pockets to cushion and damp the surge of fluid from said passages whereby to enable a smooth and quiet operation of said pump.

17. A pump comprising an integrally formed base, one portion incorporating an inlet passage and a discharge passage opening to their one ends from a face portion of said base, means providing a flow path which communicates said passages, another portion of said base forming a hollow shell having the other ends of said passages respectively open to its lower portion, means incorporated on said base in operative connection with said flow path means to produce a flow to and from said pump by way of said passages, formed integrally therewith, through the medium of said flow path, and means in said shell to break and cushion the surge of fluid thereto from said inlet and discharge passages.

18. A diaphragm type pump for blige and like applications including a shallow base having an inlet passage, an outlet passage and a pair of openings in one face, the openings positioning in side by side relation and respectively communicating with one of said passages, an inlet valve having a recessed seat in said one face to bridge one of said openings and an outlet valve having a recessed seat in said one face to bridge the other of said openings, shallow block means fixed to said one face in containing relation to said valves and having in the outermost surface thereof a flatly dished portion, a diaphragm segment coextensively connected to bridge said flatly dished portion and form therewith a shallow pumping chamber of areaately contoured peripheral configuration, said dished por- 13 tion being cut to provide therethrough two apertures which define therebetween a bridge portion of relatively limited lateral extent, and means connected in centered relation to said diaphragm segment to form a limited moment arm directed in a plane common to said apertures, the last named means having in connection therewith means to produce therethrough an eccentric flexing of said diaphragm segment to produce a rapid and smooth flow through said passages by way of said pumping chamber.

19'. A diaphragm type pump as in claim 18 characterized by the apertures forming the inlet to and the outlet from said chamber being differentially sized to provide for high velocity flow through said chamber.

20. A diaphragm type pump as in claim 18 characterized by said block means including a base block having arcuately contoured concavities in its undersurface, forming a cup over each of said valves, producing spaces thereunder which communicates with said chamber through adjacent peripheral portions of said cups. 1

21. A diaphragm type pump as in claim 20 characterized by one said cup portion over said inlet valve having a fiat base displaced outwardly therefrom and the other said cup portion over said outlet valve having a generally spherical base.

22. A diaphragm type pump as in claim 18 characterized by said block means having arcuately contoured concavities in its undersurface forming a cup portion over each of said valves, the concavity forming the cup over said outlet valve being deeper than that provided over said inlet valve.

23. A diaphragm type pump as in claim 18 characterized by said block means including a base block having concavities in its undersurface forming a cup over each of said valves, the bases of said cups providing lateral flow surfaces formed to facilitate a quick non-turbulent transfer of fluid therebetween by way of said chamber.

24. A diaphragm type pump as in claim 18 characterized by said flatly dished portion defining the chamber base and having a cupped rim forming the wall of said chamber, said diaphragm segment being included in a sheet of flexible material coextensive with said block means and stretching over said dished portion to provide thereby a stressed resilient outer wall for said chamber, said means connected to said diaphragm segment including a rod connecting to the center of such sheet material and forming a short radial flexure portion in said outer wall which is fixed eccentrically in sense transverse to said apertures whereby to facilitate a high speed, low power draw operation of said pump.

25. A diaphragm pump as in claim 18 characterized by said dished portion being circular in outline and said apertures having arcuate outlines approaching an elliptical form.

26. A diaphragm type pump as in claim 24 chaarcterized by said block means at its surface adjacent said first mentioned base being recessed to form surface portions differentially displaced outwardly in reference to each of said valves to facilitate flow from and to said valves by Way of said apertures and said pumping chamber.

27. A diaphragm type pump as in claim 26 characterized by said displaced surface portions forming a pair of cup-like recesses of different depth which respectively overlie one of said valves and provide, at least in part, an arcuate transition surface for flow to and from said chamber by way of said apertures.

28. A power head for a diaphragm-type pump the base of which has an inlet passage, an outlet passage and a pair of openings in one surface thereof which openings position in side-by-side relation and respectively com municate with one of said passages, an inlet valve covering one opening and an outlet valve covering the other opening characterized by a block means for superposition on said one surface defining at its face remote therefrom a shallow dish-like recess and in its face adjacent said valves a pair of differentially formed cup-like recesses, one of which overlies the inlet valve and the other of which overlies the outlet valve, said remote face mounting a fiat diaphragm generally coextensive therewith to form with said dish-like recess a shadow pumping chamber, said dish-like recess and said cup-like recesses being communicated by differentially formed apertures in said block means which lie in immediately adjacent and closely spaced relation, means mounting over said diaphragm to stress said diaphragm -t0 resiliently bridge said recess, and means for positively and eccentrically reciprocating said diaphragm through a connection to its center producing a short moment arm, said last mentioned means being arranged to provide a positive pressured lateral flow of fluid from said inlet to said outlet valve whereby to achieve a high speed operation of a diaphragm type pump.

29. A pump comprising an integrally formed hollowed base including a relatively shallow portion to its fore part and a shallow but relatively deeper portion to its rear, the latter having the form of a hollow shell open to one side, removable closure means forming a seal of said opening, said shell by the configuration thereof having formed therein a plurality of chambers, a pair of passages in the fore portion of said base, said passages opening respectively at one end from one face of said base and to the other end at the lower pbrtion of one of said chambers, a pair of cavities in the fore portion of said base, one communicating with each of said passages, means on said base communicating said cavities being so formed and having means in connection therewith for applying suction whereby to draw fluid to one of said cavities and through an opening in said one face of said base to one of said passages and to induce the fluid to move in a lateral planar flow to discharge immediately through the other of said cavities to exit through the other of said passages from the other opening in said one face of said base.

30. For use in combination with a pump or the like comprising a base, means defining inlet and discharge passages in said base, means defining openings from said passages to the top of said base, an intake valve bridging the opening from one passage and a discharge valve bridging the opening from the other: means forming a shallow flow chamber on said base which opens to said valves and includes a resilient wall portion thereabove, means defining the base of said chamber including therein a pair of apertures one of which is adapted to position above and communicate with each of said valves to provide the opening thereto, said apertures being in substantially immediately adjacent relation, being separated by a narrow base segment, and means superposed on said chamber forming means to reciprocate said diaphragm in an eccentric fashion, the said apertures being closely positioned for substantially immediate communication and the means for reciprocating said diaphragm operating to produce a pressured flow in a lateral plane common to said apertures whereby to produce an optimal flow to and from said base by Way of said passages, said valves and said flow chamber.

31. A diaphragm type pump, including a shallow base having inlet and outlet flow passages opening through a side face thereof, valve controlled openings in an upper face of said base communicating with said passages, a shallow but relatively deeper shell formed on said base having a location off-set from said valve controlled openings and defining surge chambers communicating with said flow passages, a power head including block means mounted on said upper face of said base in overlying relation to said valve controlled openings and having a shallow elliptical recess including a pair of apertures in its base respectively communicating with said openings, a diaphragm coextensive with said block means bridging said recess to form thereby a pumping chamber, a plate seating on said block means provided with an opening aligned with said recess and clamping said diaphragm, reciprocable rod means connecting to said diaphragm through the opening in said plate and rising upwardly through said plate, support means rising upwardly from said plate in substantially embracing relation to said reciprocable means and the opening in said plate, said support means being bridged by a plate means disposed in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of reciprocation of said reciprocable means and facing away from said one side face of said base, and motor means secured to said bridging plate means to extend in an overlying relation to said shell, said motor means being drivingly connected to said reciprocable means to flex portions of the diaphragm defined by the opening in said plate in an eccentric fashion about its minor axis utilizing a minimal moment arm.

32. A diaphragm-type pump including a base having an inlet passage, an outlet passage and a pair of openings in one surface thereof, which openings position in sideby-side relation and respectively communicate with one of said passages, an inlet valve covering one opening and an outlet valve covering the other opening, means fixedly superposed on said one surface defining a shallow pumping chamber of generally arcuate peripheral configuration including a diaphragm forming one wall thereof positioning normally in closely spaced relation to said chamber base, said chamber base having a pair of openings respectively communicating with and in offset relation to one of said valves, and means eccentrically connected with and adapted to flex a center portion of said diaphragm, said superposed means including a base block having in the face thereof remote from said first-mentioned base a central shallow dished portion defining the chamber base and a cupped rim forming the wall of said chamber, a sheet of flexible material coextensive with the block being stretched over said dished portion to form the diaphragm and provide a resilient outer wall of said chamber, a rod connecting to the center of such sheet material and forming a short radial flexure portion therein whereby to facilitate a high speed, low power draw, operation of said pump, said block at its surface adjacent said first mentioned base being recessed to form a surface displaced outwardly in reference to each of said valves to facilitate flow from and to said valves by way of said second pair of openings and said pumping chamber, said displaced surfaces forming a pair of cup-like recesses in said block which respectively overlie one of said valves and provide, at least in part, an arcuate transition surface for flow to and from said chamber by way of said second pair of openings, one of said recesses being deeper than the other and the base thereof lying in a plane immediately adjacent that of the base of said dished portion.

33. A pump comprising an integrally formed relatively shallow base one portion of which incorporates an inlet passage and a discharge passage, said passages opening to their one ends from a face portion of said base, means defining a flow path which communicates said passages and means incorporated on said base which are operatively related to said means defining said flow path to produce a flow of fluid to and from said pump by way of said passages, through the medium of said flow path, said means defining said flow path including therein an inlet valve and an outlet valve bridging remote portions of said path and superposed thereon block means having at its face remote from said valves a shallow recess and in its face adjacent and immediately over said valves a pair of differentially formed cup-like recesses, the recess over said inlet valve being relatively flat and shallow and the recess over and in direct communication with said outlet valve having a form of a segment of a sphere, said recess in the face remote from said valves being bridged by a diaphragm which is stressed and has means in connection therewith for eccentric reciprocation thereof to laterally flow fluid from the one valve to and through the other, there being openings from said recesses adjacent said valves to the shallow recess remote therefrom which are in immediate adjacent relation to minimize the flow surface therebetween.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,415,060 1/ 1947 Craig. 2,469,818 5/1949 Erickson. 2,625,113 1/1953 Robinson et al. 2,779,353 1/1957 Coffey 103150 2,895,424 7/1959 Tramontini et al. 2,980,031 4/1961 Russell 103150 3,282,224 11/1966 Bock et al. 3,308,765 3/ 1967 Mutschler.

WILLIAM L. FREEH, Primary Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 

